Here are 6 nutrition beliefs I’ve personally changed my mind about and what I believe now.
1. “Collagen Is a Waste of Money”
For years, I believed collagen supplements were unnecessary.But newer research shows that specific collagen peptides may support skin elasticity, joint health, and connective tissue, especially when taken consistently and paired with adequate vitamin C.
What changed my mind:
- Clinical studies showing improved skin hydration and elasticity
- Benefits for joint discomfort and recovery
- Understanding that modern diets often lack collagen-rich cuts of meat
2. “Vegan = Automatically Healthy”
- Vitamin B12
- Iron (bioavailable forms)
- Omega-3s (EPA/DHA)
- Zinc
- Choline
- The rise of ultra-processed vegan foods
- Nutrient gaps I’ve seen clinically
- Research on bioavailability of plant vs. animal nutrients
What I believe now:Diet quality and food diversity matter more, every time.
3. “Everyone Needs a Daily Probiotic”
- Research showing strain-specific effects
- Cases where probiotics didn’t sit well with digestion
- The importance of addressing the whole picture vs. layering supplements
What I believe now:Use probiotics intentionally, not automatically, and find a qualified practioner to help you find what is right for you.
4. “Meal Timing Doesn’t Matter”
- Continuous glucose monitoring data and how bodies respond to meals
- How late-night eating can affect how people feel
- Circadian rhythm connections
5. “You Should Eat 3 Meals + 3 Snacks Per Day”
- Ups and downs in energy
- Increased cravings
- Lack of true hunger/fullness cues
- General principles of balanced eating
- What I’ve seen when clients reduce constant snacking
- Improved energy with more balanced meals
6. “Low-Fat Diets Are Best”
- Hungry
- Less satisfied
- Struggling with cravings
- The role of healthy fats in satiety and satisfaction
- The way balanced macronutrients help people feel steady
- How well people do with higher-protein, balanced-fat approaches
The Bottom Line
- Paying attention to how you feel, not your neighbor or that influencer you follow
About Stephanie Crabtree, RD
Use code STEPHANIE15 for 15% off Yonder products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is collagen worth the money?
Newer research shows specific collagen peptides may support skin elasticity, joint health, and connective tissue, especially when taken consistently and paired with adequate vitamin C. It is not magic, but it can be a helpful daily tool, and Yonder delivers 10 to 20g of collagen per one to two scoops to support skin, hair, nails, joint, bone, and gut health as part of a daily routine.
Does a vegan diet automatically mean it is healthy?
Not necessarily. The vegan label alone does not guarantee nutrient density, and a fully vegan diet requires intentional planning and supplementation for nutrients like B12, bioavailable iron, omega-3s, zinc, and choline. Diet quality and food diversity matter more than any single label.
How many meals a day should I eat?
For many people, constant snacking leads to energy swings, more cravings, and a loss of true hunger and fullness cues. Most do better with fewer, more balanced meals that include protein, fat, and fiber to stay full for hours, and collagen can round out a meal or smoothie while supporting skin, hair, nails, joint, bone, and gut health as part of a daily routine.
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